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Threads of the Lost Myth
The Scorpion Thief: A Cold War, Myth-Infused Historical Thriller of Political Intrigue, Family Betrayal, and an Art Heist Worthy of the Silver Screen
A deadly Cold War political game.
A cursed Egyptian artifact.
And two estranged one the treasure's guardian, the other its thief.
Egyptologist Noura Marquette has spent her life piecing together remnants of the past, but nothing prepares her for the day her sister resurfaces in Cairo. Estranged for years, Estelle unleashes a web of whispered threats and dangerous connections that capture Noura in a treacherous snare of betrayal, espionage, and political gamesmanship.
As plans solidify to send King Tutankhamun's artifacts on an unprecedented U.S. tour, forces far older than any tomb begin to stir. Revolutionaries lurk in the crowded streets. Art thieves circle like vultures. And in Washington, Nixon's administration maneuvers to use the boy king's treasures as a glittering tool of propaganda.
What begins as a family reckoning spirals into a deadly game where political agendas and ancient curses intertwine. In the streets of Cairo and the hurricane-lashed bayous of New Orleans, something older than history watches, stalking Noura as loyalties fracture and the lines between history and myth blur. Some curses never sleep and some debts can never be paid
"Sweeping and hypnotic, The Scorpion Thief is a deeply researched historical novel exploring the thin veil between love and hate, myth and memory, and the terrible price of unearthing what was meant to stay hidden. Perfect for fans of The Maltese Falcon, Sarah Penner, and Kate Morton."
Julie Cantrell, NYT bestselling author of Into the Free
A cursed Egyptian artifact.
And two estranged one the treasure's guardian, the other its thief.
Egyptologist Noura Marquette has spent her life piecing together remnants of the past, but nothing prepares her for the day her sister resurfaces in Cairo. Estranged for years, Estelle unleashes a web of whispered threats and dangerous connections that capture Noura in a treacherous snare of betrayal, espionage, and political gamesmanship.
As plans solidify to send King Tutankhamun's artifacts on an unprecedented U.S. tour, forces far older than any tomb begin to stir. Revolutionaries lurk in the crowded streets. Art thieves circle like vultures. And in Washington, Nixon's administration maneuvers to use the boy king's treasures as a glittering tool of propaganda.
What begins as a family reckoning spirals into a deadly game where political agendas and ancient curses intertwine. In the streets of Cairo and the hurricane-lashed bayous of New Orleans, something older than history watches, stalking Noura as loyalties fracture and the lines between history and myth blur. Some curses never sleep and some debts can never be paid
"Sweeping and hypnotic, The Scorpion Thief is a deeply researched historical novel exploring the thin veil between love and hate, myth and memory, and the terrible price of unearthing what was meant to stay hidden. Perfect for fans of The Maltese Falcon, Sarah Penner, and Kate Morton."
Julie Cantrell, NYT bestselling author of Into the Free
326 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2026
About the author
Janyre Tromp
35 books312 followersJanyre Tromp is a historical novelist who loves spinning tales that, at their core, hunt for beauty, even when it isn’t pretty. She’s the best-selling historical author of Darkness Calls the Tiger and Shadows in the Mind’s Eye and coauthor of O Little Town and It’s a Wonderful Christmas.
She’s also a book editor, children’s book author, and lives in Michigan with her family, two crazy cats, and a slightly eccentric dog. Hang out with her on social media or through her newsletter (sign up on her website www.JanyreTromp.com).
She’s also a book editor, children’s book author, and lives in Michigan with her family, two crazy cats, and a slightly eccentric dog. Hang out with her on social media or through her newsletter (sign up on her website www.JanyreTromp.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 9, 2026
This book was so fascinating. It's not my usual genre but I was really intrigued by the synopsis. I've always been interested in Egypt and would love to go there. This book deals with two sisters brought back together after not speaking for a while. I loved the Egyptian mythology, historical fiction, politics, and sister drama ... .each one working for something different with this artifact. Yes, it did take me a minute to get into the story but I'm telling you, once I got a bit into it, I was completely invested. Definitely not to be missed if you like historical fiction. Stick with it, it's worth it.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2026
Whoa.
First, I will say that it took me a while to get into this book. For some reason, the present tense was messing with me. If you're the same, KEEP GOING.
This is one of those books that I can't write an accurate review for. There are so many things I didn't see coming, and so I just don't want to say anything.
But whoa. This one will keep you guessing until the very end.
If you love mythology, if you love Egyptian artifacts, if you love mystery and suspense and twists and turns? Read this one.
First, I will say that it took me a while to get into this book. For some reason, the present tense was messing with me. If you're the same, KEEP GOING.
This is one of those books that I can't write an accurate review for. There are so many things I didn't see coming, and so I just don't want to say anything.
But whoa. This one will keep you guessing until the very end.
If you love mythology, if you love Egyptian artifacts, if you love mystery and suspense and twists and turns? Read this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you editor and Netgalley for this ARC.
The book takes us to 70's egypt, and New Orleans, to protect or steal, the artifacts of the king Tut collection.
Two sides, two sisters, steal or protect, which side will you be?
The book will take us through history directly to Cairo, in the 1970's, and will make us doubt every one and all of the characters, theres mystery, and a long term villain waiting for us at the end, also, there's some heartwarming sling of romance, but mostly we will be adventuring into the heat of Cairo's dessert, and then into the ragging buba tropical storm as it swamps New Orleans.
I loved the characters, the duality of sisters, the fragility of trust, and bonds, the winks to Egyptian mythology, it was a very beautiful book.
The book takes us to 70's egypt, and New Orleans, to protect or steal, the artifacts of the king Tut collection.
Two sides, two sisters, steal or protect, which side will you be?
The book will take us through history directly to Cairo, in the 1970's, and will make us doubt every one and all of the characters, theres mystery, and a long term villain waiting for us at the end, also, there's some heartwarming sling of romance, but mostly we will be adventuring into the heat of Cairo's dessert, and then into the ragging buba tropical storm as it swamps New Orleans.
I loved the characters, the duality of sisters, the fragility of trust, and bonds, the winks to Egyptian mythology, it was a very beautiful book.
April 18, 2026
Book Title: The Scorpion Thief (Threads of the Lost Myth book 3)
Author: Janyre Tromp
Publishers: Grafted Page Press + One Audiobooks
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: March 1, 2026 – April 14, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: The first thing to pull me in, as usual, was the cover, and because I loved that and the title so much, I barely glanced at the synopsis. So, it was quite the surprise when I started reading and realized just how ingrained this storyline was in politics. This type of book isn’t something I usually gravitate towards. Still, I was fully engrossed, and I believe potential readers will find it very engaging, no matter their genre preference. It moved a little slowly at times, but the writing is so vivid that you practically feel the dust in your mouth and the sweat on your brow in the Cairo setting. Tromp’s ability to set a scene and make you feel the same things as the characters is absolutely impeccable, and that’s just one of the reasons I enjoyed The Scorpion Thief so much.
I did see after the fact that this is book three of a series, but I am unsure how they are connected, and I had no issues following along with what was going on. The ending is positively insane, and we go from zero to sixty as the story reaches its climax. I was completely shooketh by where the author took this book, and it blew my mind. Whether you enjoy high-stakes secrets, historical suspense, myths, estranged sister stories, or all of the above—there really is something for everyone here.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🪶🙊🗒️👑
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Janyre Tromp
Publishers: Grafted Page Press + One Audiobooks
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: March 1, 2026 – April 14, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: The first thing to pull me in, as usual, was the cover, and because I loved that and the title so much, I barely glanced at the synopsis. So, it was quite the surprise when I started reading and realized just how ingrained this storyline was in politics. This type of book isn’t something I usually gravitate towards. Still, I was fully engrossed, and I believe potential readers will find it very engaging, no matter their genre preference. It moved a little slowly at times, but the writing is so vivid that you practically feel the dust in your mouth and the sweat on your brow in the Cairo setting. Tromp’s ability to set a scene and make you feel the same things as the characters is absolutely impeccable, and that’s just one of the reasons I enjoyed The Scorpion Thief so much.
I did see after the fact that this is book three of a series, but I am unsure how they are connected, and I had no issues following along with what was going on. The ending is positively insane, and we go from zero to sixty as the story reaches its climax. I was completely shooketh by where the author took this book, and it blew my mind. Whether you enjoy high-stakes secrets, historical suspense, myths, estranged sister stories, or all of the above—there really is something for everyone here.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🪶🙊🗒️👑
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 27, 2025
3.5 stars. An action packed historical thriller that brings estranged sisters, Noura and Estelle, face-to-face on the streets of Cairo. Noura soon discovers that her sister is trying to steal the very thing she has devoted her life to protect, King Tut’s artifacts. When no one is who they seem, Noura must determine if she can trust her sister, her colleagues, or even herself.
This story has everything from Egyptian gods to New Orleans curses. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to uncover the truth buried beneath layers of lies, deceit, and family betrayal. The pacing of this book really picks up after the second half and is almost impossible to put down. There are so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
The biggest hold up I had was the introduction of most characters came very early and very fast, making it hard to keep track of everyone, especially characters that didn’t pop up again until the end. I spent the first 20-30% of the book very confused. I also could not understand why multiple characters (Estelle/Elle and Mr. Caddel/Frank) went by different names throughout the book. I found it very distracting that the names continued to bounce back and forth within the same paragraphs even. Overall I thought this was an addicting read and couldn’t wait to see how it everything turned out in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grafted Page Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story has everything from Egyptian gods to New Orleans curses. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to uncover the truth buried beneath layers of lies, deceit, and family betrayal. The pacing of this book really picks up after the second half and is almost impossible to put down. There are so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
The biggest hold up I had was the introduction of most characters came very early and very fast, making it hard to keep track of everyone, especially characters that didn’t pop up again until the end. I spent the first 20-30% of the book very confused. I also could not understand why multiple characters (Estelle/Elle and Mr. Caddel/Frank) went by different names throughout the book. I found it very distracting that the names continued to bounce back and forth within the same paragraphs even. Overall I thought this was an addicting read and couldn’t wait to see how it everything turned out in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grafted Page Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2025
More than 5 stars for this book! It's not just a story, its an experience. Set in the times of ancient Egypt and present day New Orleans, lines are drawn between good and evil, gods and saviors.
The characters are extraordinary! Noura is often underestimated. She's intelligent, courageous and loves her job as an artifact curator. Estelle is shadow and light. She knows how to get what she wants. Theo is the most complex. He has many identities. He's brave and perceptive. There's also a "witch doctor ", and many other operatives working against each other for the prize.
I enjoyed how Egyptian gods made "appearances" throughout the book! It really piqued my interest and I often kept a tab open with pictures and descriptions of the gods. Another fun symbolism is the white falcon who shows up randomly!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Grafted Page Press via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are extraordinary! Noura is often underestimated. She's intelligent, courageous and loves her job as an artifact curator. Estelle is shadow and light. She knows how to get what she wants. Theo is the most complex. He has many identities. He's brave and perceptive. There's also a "witch doctor ", and many other operatives working against each other for the prize.
I enjoyed how Egyptian gods made "appearances" throughout the book! It really piqued my interest and I often kept a tab open with pictures and descriptions of the gods. Another fun symbolism is the white falcon who shows up randomly!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Grafted Page Press via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2026
3.5⭐️s. Unique and suspenseful, the book focused on Egyptian artifact conservation and a plot to steal them, complicated by sisters on either end of that goal, among others, in a volatile political or cultural landscape.
I liked how action packed the book was, how there were plenty of twists and turns, and a lot of unpredictability. Many characters fell into the grey in their motives so it wasn’t always easy to figure out who was good or bad (and were often a mixture of both ultimately) which made for a good plot.
I did struggle with probably the first 20ish% of the book, as I found it extremely confusing. You kind of get dropped into the middle of an in-full-swing story with lots of characters and happenings but very little, if at all, context. While there were little clues dropped in here and there as you progressed, they were so small and vague. There was so much going on as a whole, it made it hard to make any semblance of a setting, characters, or understanding of the makeup of things until well into the book when it started to come together.
Overall I liked the book, the action and suspense were well done. I just wished it was a little less ambiguous or muddled getting there.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
I liked how action packed the book was, how there were plenty of twists and turns, and a lot of unpredictability. Many characters fell into the grey in their motives so it wasn’t always easy to figure out who was good or bad (and were often a mixture of both ultimately) which made for a good plot.
I did struggle with probably the first 20ish% of the book, as I found it extremely confusing. You kind of get dropped into the middle of an in-full-swing story with lots of characters and happenings but very little, if at all, context. While there were little clues dropped in here and there as you progressed, they were so small and vague. There was so much going on as a whole, it made it hard to make any semblance of a setting, characters, or understanding of the makeup of things until well into the book when it started to come together.
Overall I liked the book, the action and suspense were well done. I just wished it was a little less ambiguous or muddled getting there.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
May 8, 2026
Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
Thank you to the author @janyretromp for the #gifted book.
🦂 The Scorpion Thief by Janyre Tromp
Part of the Threads of the Lost Myth series
This book ended up being such a fun reading experience for me, especially because I had just visited the King Tut: The Immersive Experience exhibit in Las Vegas the week before picking it up! Seeing references to artifacts, Egyptology, and ancient history made the story feel even more immersive.
Set partly in Cairo and New Orleans during the 1970s, this story truly felt like traveling through time and place. The atmosphere was rich and vivid, blending historical intrigue with mystery, suspense, and danger around every corner.
We follow an Egyptologist pulled into a world of espionage, betrayal, ancient curses, and high-stakes secrets. The twists kept coming, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story surprised me again. I also really enjoyed the family drama woven throughout the plot because it added emotional depth alongside all the thriller elements.
If you love:
✨ Historical thrillers
✨ Ancient Egypt mysteries
✨ Espionage and betrayal
✨ Atmospheric settings
✨ Twists and suspense
✨ Stories that feel cinematic
…then this one is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to the author @janyretromp for the #gifted book.
🦂 The Scorpion Thief by Janyre Tromp
Part of the Threads of the Lost Myth series
This book ended up being such a fun reading experience for me, especially because I had just visited the King Tut: The Immersive Experience exhibit in Las Vegas the week before picking it up! Seeing references to artifacts, Egyptology, and ancient history made the story feel even more immersive.
Set partly in Cairo and New Orleans during the 1970s, this story truly felt like traveling through time and place. The atmosphere was rich and vivid, blending historical intrigue with mystery, suspense, and danger around every corner.
We follow an Egyptologist pulled into a world of espionage, betrayal, ancient curses, and high-stakes secrets. The twists kept coming, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story surprised me again. I also really enjoyed the family drama woven throughout the plot because it added emotional depth alongside all the thriller elements.
If you love:
✨ Historical thrillers
✨ Ancient Egypt mysteries
✨ Espionage and betrayal
✨ Atmospheric settings
✨ Twists and suspense
✨ Stories that feel cinematic
…then this one is definitely worth picking up!
December 29, 2025
The beautiful cover and promise of mystery and Egyptian history drew me in immediately. I love that the story is told from multiple view points and immediately emerges you in 1976 in Cairo and then propels you to New Orleans. The story was fun and exciting with many twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout the story. My favorite mysteries are the ones that come with a side of romance. This one did not disappoint. I loved following Noura and seeing her grow and rise from the tragedy happening around her. Admittedly, I don’t know a lot about Egyptian mythology but I thought they added another intriguing element to the story. Don’t miss out on following Noura through Cairo to New Orleans to solve a mystery she never saw coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grafted Page Press for the complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grafted Page Press for the complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 9, 2026
Egypt has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, so reading this book felt like traveling there.
Let’s start with King Tutankhamun, there’s something endlessly fascinating about him. Add in a cursed artifact, high-stakes politics, and a story that moves from Cairo to New Orleans, and you get an adventure that’s hard to put down.
Two estranged sisters, brought back together through betrayal, espionage, and dangerous secrets.
This is a deeply researched historical thriller that blends good and evil, a touch of romance, ancient curses, and real political tension.
Let’s start with King Tutankhamun, there’s something endlessly fascinating about him. Add in a cursed artifact, high-stakes politics, and a story that moves from Cairo to New Orleans, and you get an adventure that’s hard to put down.
Two estranged sisters, brought back together through betrayal, espionage, and dangerous secrets.
This is a deeply researched historical thriller that blends good and evil, a touch of romance, ancient curses, and real political tension.
April 30, 2026
This was a great mix of history, mystery, and action. I enjoyed the different pov and their role in the story. I had a hard time determining who to trust from the start. Each seemed to have their own motive, and with the morally grey happenings it made for a fast-paced read. I liked how the reader learned about the history behind the artifacts while getting to know the characters. Not only was it a race against time but the others involved as well. It kept me guessing and entertained me the entire time.
Thank you @janyretromp @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @janyretromp @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
May 3, 2026
Two sisters each with their own agenda for the ancient Egyptian artifacts. Noura takes pride in her career of piecing together the past through artifacts, so when her sister seems to appear in Cairo as they are preparing to get the King Tut's artifacts on tour, she knows something must be up. Artifacts start to go missing and the one she has started to fall for makes contradictory moves and comments. Her sister being in Cairo has her on edge as well as fear of her career. Betrayal, loyalties and politics are all wound into this novel that takes you from Egypt to New Orleans, another city built on the past. I really enjoyed Noura's character and learning about Egyptian myths and artifacts as she struggled with figuring out who was a friend and who was the enemy. Lots of historical events woven throughout the storyline as it is set during the Cold War and political tensions are high in the US. As always, Janyre writes with such scenery that you really almost become that character yourself walking through the storyline. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for another tour invite! This review is of my own opinion and accord.
April 17, 2026
The book spans from 1976-1977 and is set in both Cairo and New Orleans. It has three primary characters that give the points of view.
This book mixes in the political climate of the time with the King Tut US traveling exhibit all of which has its roots in factual events.
It has strong themes of family. It has some murky characters who are doing bad things because they feel forced. Other characters are just plain devious.
There is a lot of action, intrigue, and deception as artifacts from the King Tut exhibit are the target of theft.
Finally, there is the thread of Egyptian mythology and a bit of voodoo in the story.
I liked this one because it does have that combination of history with action.
This book mixes in the political climate of the time with the King Tut US traveling exhibit all of which has its roots in factual events.
It has strong themes of family. It has some murky characters who are doing bad things because they feel forced. Other characters are just plain devious.
There is a lot of action, intrigue, and deception as artifacts from the King Tut exhibit are the target of theft.
Finally, there is the thread of Egyptian mythology and a bit of voodoo in the story.
I liked this one because it does have that combination of history with action.
April 20, 2026
This is probably one of my favorite books now. I really liked how Egyptian mythology was woven into the story and I also loved the idea of two sisters being on opposite sides, one trying to save an artifact and the other trying to steal it. The plot twists were very well-written and the suspense? Sooo good. I highly recommend.
April 15, 2026
This is the first time that I have read anything by this author and I must say that I am very impressed. This story is a good example of why sometimes it is best to leave the past in the past no matter the circumstances. Not to mention some of the surrounding political intrigue will have you on your toes and wondering how our own system is doing at the same time. I will say I enjoyed the characters and their struggles to try and naviagte through their complicated lives. The plot kept me very engaged. I hope I get the opportunity to read another book by this Author because this was a wonderful experience!
June 13, 2026
Reading the book blurbs and seeing the cover for this book did not prepare me for what the story entails. I was in college when this famous exhibit toured Washington, D.C. (1976-77) and I still recall all the media hoopla it engendered. Who knew a clever author would take that exhibit and the current events of the day to create such an engrossing and satisfying thriller!
I thoroughly enjoyed navigating the ups and downs of Noura’s life and relationships. The denouement surprised me (at least I hadn’t much cared for the character who turned out to be the villainous mastermind).
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are totally my own. I won a paperback copy from the Bouquet of Books Giveaway (04/2026); many thanks to Janyre and all the other participating authors!
I thoroughly enjoyed navigating the ups and downs of Noura’s life and relationships. The denouement surprised me (at least I hadn’t much cared for the character who turned out to be the villainous mastermind).
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are totally my own. I won a paperback copy from the Bouquet of Books Giveaway (04/2026); many thanks to Janyre and all the other participating authors!
April 27, 2026
There was so much going on in this book! I was kept guessing through the whole thing. It was a lot to unpack, so I do feel like I need to re-read it to fully grasp the whole story. The narrator was great and I felt like she did a great job.
April 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this incredibly twisty story. Noura was such a likable character, and I was nervous for her as she tried to figure out who she could trust. Her family dynamics were complicated - major understatement! I enjoyed both settings, but I loved the scenes set in New Orleans. The unique city and culture were perfect for this book!
April 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this story! It took me a little bit to get into this story, but once you hit the 30% mark, you won't be able to put it down. The twists and turns are incredible. I did not see the ending coming! Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A disappointing read. The blurb made this book sound exciting and full of action but I found it rather dull. The book was confusing from the start, too many names dropped into the mix without any clear idea of who they were. I couldn't connect to the main character Noura, she didn't stir my interest at all. A slow start and then the ending had too many twists to take seriously.
Not my cup of tea.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Not my cup of tea.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
February 25, 2026
This was a fascinating story of intrigue, mystery, and political mayhem in an era I know basically nothing about, despite how near it is to the time of my birth. If you’re interested in Egyptology, New Orleans, and the seventies, you won’t want to miss this one.
I received an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 30, 2026
Lots of twists and turns, with an interesting Egyptian mythology vibe. Nobody is who they seem to ve. Definitely kept me guessing.
May 22, 2026
What a fascinating piece of history, that I was unaware of, put into a story that draws you in and holds your attention till the very last page. I love the two sisters as good and evil, but as in life it's never that simple. Blending political intrigue with Egyptian mythology the author creates a very unique plotline that follows the history of King Tutankhamun’s treasure tour with a few adjustments here and there for the story's purposes. Intriguing and captivating this novel brings history to life and I enjoyed escaping into it for a while.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
This is the second book by Janyre Tromp that I have read. One thing I've noticed about her books has to be the great amount of research that she puts into them.
A deadly Cold War political game.
A cursed Egyptian artifact.
Two sisters: one is the treasure's guardian, the other it's their.
This book hooked me right away with the mix of Egyptian mythology, ancient artifacts, family drama (sisters), and suspense.
One sister protects the artifacts while the other steals them. Yes, please!
I also loved the settings of Cairo and New Orleans. Both places had this dark, mysterious vibe that fit the story perfectly and made everything feel even more atmospheric.
There were so many twists, secrets, and betrayals that I never fully knew who to trust. The stakes felt high the entire time, and I couldn't stop reading to see what would happen next.
A deadly Cold War political game.
A cursed Egyptian artifact.
Two sisters: one is the treasure's guardian, the other it's their.
This book hooked me right away with the mix of Egyptian mythology, ancient artifacts, family drama (sisters), and suspense.
One sister protects the artifacts while the other steals them. Yes, please!
I also loved the settings of Cairo and New Orleans. Both places had this dark, mysterious vibe that fit the story perfectly and made everything feel even more atmospheric.
There were so many twists, secrets, and betrayals that I never fully knew who to trust. The stakes felt high the entire time, and I couldn't stop reading to see what would happen next.
May 26, 2026
THE SCORPION THIEF was my first time reading a mythology book! I was hooked immediately, I have always found Egyptian mythology to be very fascinating. The setting in New Orleans was also piquing my interest. The thriller and romance aspects were also a bonus and made for a very well rounded story.
Many thanks to Janyre Tromp for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Janyre Tromp for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
May 17, 2026
Having three brothers, I’ve always gravitated towards sister-centric stories.
This one did not disappoint.
I loved the history, the multiple settings, and, of course, the family drama.
I worried that I might miss something, having read this out of order, but honestly, it was fine.
Can’t wait to backtrack for the others.
This one did not disappoint.
I loved the history, the multiple settings, and, of course, the family drama.
I worried that I might miss something, having read this out of order, but honestly, it was fine.
Can’t wait to backtrack for the others.
May 17, 2026
Excellent read by a new to me author! Mystery, suspense and romance, what more could you ask for!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I received an early review copy of this novel courtesy of the author. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
The idea behind The Scorpion Thief is such a fun one. Its full title is The Scorpion Thief: A Cold War, Myth-Infused Historical Thriller of Political Intrigue, Family Betrayal, and an Art Heist Worthy of the Silver Screen, book one of the Threads of the Lost Myth series. Which, while wordy, does a great job of summing up the heart of the story. Set in both Egypt and New Orleans in the 1970s, we see the intersection of Egyptian myth, New Orleans culture, and the tension of the politics undergirding the time period.
Parts of the story are based in fact, like Nixon's political motivations behind the US King Tut exhibit tour, as well as its New Orleans stop coinciding with a hurricane. I enjoyed the magical realism element, especially present in the recurring appearance of the white falcon and the strange dog and how those reflect aspects of opposing Egyptian gods. Ancient Egyptian gods, specifically Set, Horus, and Me'et, were mentioned and alluded to frequently. But certain musings about the workings of these gods during hard, tense moments felt like rather improbable thoughts.
We get our story through three perspectives: those of Noura, her sister Estelle, and Theo. Noura is our main perspective, and her portion of the story comes to us through first person present tense narration. Which I must confess, is not my favorite. The sense of place is strong, but not the sense of time. Being in Noura's head reminded me more of a late Victorian heroine than a woman of the 70s, so mentions of music or politics of that era, reminders that we were indeed in the 1970s, threw me a bit throughout the first half of the novel. By its second act, I had found my footing, in large part because the setting shifted from Cairo, Egypt to New Orleans.
In spite of the hefty amount of backstory and inner monologue with which we're presented, I was never able to develop a true emotional connection to any of the characters. They never grew into more than players on a stage for me. However, the story itself did grow on me and pull me in after a time. Some of the plot points felt muddled and hazy, and it was occasionally difficult to follow the path from point A to point B; however, the plot never lost my interest.. Even considering some of my subjective qualms, I thought The Scorpion Thief was an enjoyable read that was incredibly unique on multiple fronts.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
While it’s true that indifference is the opposite of love, hate is still insidious. Not because hate is the opposite of love, but because it’s the fruit of fear. You can’t be afraid and still love. Love takes risks, and fear lashes out, then runs to protect itself. Fear is the real enemy. It strikes, then ducks down and hides.
“Sometimes peace only happens after you step into the world of the enemy. Weakness isn’t being kind or careful. Weakness is refusing to admit you don’t understand or refusing to try. Weakness is giving in to fear.”
“Maybe the present is the best place to redeem the past,” Estelle says. “It’s a place where you can make a mark, and it’ll stay long enough for someone else to notice.
Maybe God knows what she truly is: weak, vulnerable, and not worth saving. She hopes her maman is right about God being willing to save everyone, but she can’t be sure of that either.
Yes, gravity pulls us inexorably toward the earth, anchoring us here. But somehow, someway, we have to leap, trusting our heaviness to give us weight enough to make magic happen.
Why focus on all I lost or what I wish I had that I don’t got? All that does is make a body hate life. And hate? That’ll eat you from the inside out. If you ask me, that’s where real evil is… in all the hate. Don’t matter which side it is. You hate? You destroy? You’re evil. Easy as that.”
Revenge can’t bring peace. But sometimes love is more fierce than limp acquiescence. Sometimes love is the ferocious fire of justice.
I wish I could wave a wand and make it right for everyone. But I’m not God, and anyone who thinks they can wield that power without becoming mad with the responsibility or corrupt from the rush, is fooling themselves.”
I received an early review copy of this novel courtesy of the author. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
The idea behind The Scorpion Thief is such a fun one. Its full title is The Scorpion Thief: A Cold War, Myth-Infused Historical Thriller of Political Intrigue, Family Betrayal, and an Art Heist Worthy of the Silver Screen, book one of the Threads of the Lost Myth series. Which, while wordy, does a great job of summing up the heart of the story. Set in both Egypt and New Orleans in the 1970s, we see the intersection of Egyptian myth, New Orleans culture, and the tension of the politics undergirding the time period.
Parts of the story are based in fact, like Nixon's political motivations behind the US King Tut exhibit tour, as well as its New Orleans stop coinciding with a hurricane. I enjoyed the magical realism element, especially present in the recurring appearance of the white falcon and the strange dog and how those reflect aspects of opposing Egyptian gods. Ancient Egyptian gods, specifically Set, Horus, and Me'et, were mentioned and alluded to frequently. But certain musings about the workings of these gods during hard, tense moments felt like rather improbable thoughts.
We get our story through three perspectives: those of Noura, her sister Estelle, and Theo. Noura is our main perspective, and her portion of the story comes to us through first person present tense narration. Which I must confess, is not my favorite. The sense of place is strong, but not the sense of time. Being in Noura's head reminded me more of a late Victorian heroine than a woman of the 70s, so mentions of music or politics of that era, reminders that we were indeed in the 1970s, threw me a bit throughout the first half of the novel. By its second act, I had found my footing, in large part because the setting shifted from Cairo, Egypt to New Orleans.
In spite of the hefty amount of backstory and inner monologue with which we're presented, I was never able to develop a true emotional connection to any of the characters. They never grew into more than players on a stage for me. However, the story itself did grow on me and pull me in after a time. Some of the plot points felt muddled and hazy, and it was occasionally difficult to follow the path from point A to point B; however, the plot never lost my interest.. Even considering some of my subjective qualms, I thought The Scorpion Thief was an enjoyable read that was incredibly unique on multiple fronts.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
While it’s true that indifference is the opposite of love, hate is still insidious. Not because hate is the opposite of love, but because it’s the fruit of fear. You can’t be afraid and still love. Love takes risks, and fear lashes out, then runs to protect itself. Fear is the real enemy. It strikes, then ducks down and hides.
“Sometimes peace only happens after you step into the world of the enemy. Weakness isn’t being kind or careful. Weakness is refusing to admit you don’t understand or refusing to try. Weakness is giving in to fear.”
“Maybe the present is the best place to redeem the past,” Estelle says. “It’s a place where you can make a mark, and it’ll stay long enough for someone else to notice.
Maybe God knows what she truly is: weak, vulnerable, and not worth saving. She hopes her maman is right about God being willing to save everyone, but she can’t be sure of that either.
Yes, gravity pulls us inexorably toward the earth, anchoring us here. But somehow, someway, we have to leap, trusting our heaviness to give us weight enough to make magic happen.
Why focus on all I lost or what I wish I had that I don’t got? All that does is make a body hate life. And hate? That’ll eat you from the inside out. If you ask me, that’s where real evil is… in all the hate. Don’t matter which side it is. You hate? You destroy? You’re evil. Easy as that.”
Revenge can’t bring peace. But sometimes love is more fierce than limp acquiescence. Sometimes love is the ferocious fire of justice.
I wish I could wave a wand and make it right for everyone. But I’m not God, and anyone who thinks they can wield that power without becoming mad with the responsibility or corrupt from the rush, is fooling themselves.”
June 15, 2026
I was initially drawn to The Scorpion Thief because of its Egyptian setting and its connection to King Tut's artifacts. I really enjoy historical mysteries, the premise immediately caught my attention and was hoping for a mystery with a mixture of adventure similar to The Mummy movie.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't fully work for me. The story follows two sisters, but I found the characters difficult to connect with from the beginning. Although the novel is written in third person, the author seemed intent on keeping both the characters and their motivations shrouded in mystery for so long that I struggled to understand who they were, what they believed, or why they made many of their choices.
The first portion of the novel, set in Egypt, moved slowly for me, though the pace improved once the story shifted to New Orleans. I kept hoping for a redemption arc for one of the main characters, but that never quite materialized. By the end of the book, I found myself disliking most of the characters rather than rooting for them.
While the central plot is ultimately resolved, the ending introduces several revelations about additional characters and their involvement in the story. For me, many of these twists felt underdeveloped. Either the motivations behind their actions weren't explored in enough depth, or they were revealed so late that I had little investment in their outcomes. There were also a couple of characters whose storylines emerged unexpectedly near the end, and I was left wondering what ultimately happened to them.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced readers copy in return for my honest review.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't fully work for me. The story follows two sisters, but I found the characters difficult to connect with from the beginning. Although the novel is written in third person, the author seemed intent on keeping both the characters and their motivations shrouded in mystery for so long that I struggled to understand who they were, what they believed, or why they made many of their choices.
The first portion of the novel, set in Egypt, moved slowly for me, though the pace improved once the story shifted to New Orleans. I kept hoping for a redemption arc for one of the main characters, but that never quite materialized. By the end of the book, I found myself disliking most of the characters rather than rooting for them.
While the central plot is ultimately resolved, the ending introduces several revelations about additional characters and their involvement in the story. For me, many of these twists felt underdeveloped. Either the motivations behind their actions weren't explored in enough depth, or they were revealed so late that I had little investment in their outcomes. There were also a couple of characters whose storylines emerged unexpectedly near the end, and I was left wondering what ultimately happened to them.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced readers copy in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was quite a journey! It’s got suspense, history, tension, espionage, political intrigue, murder, crazy family dynamics, and even a bit of romance.
Overall I enjoyed this read. This was a bit more suspense than I usually gravitate towards but that’s not reflected in my rating. The author is extremely talented and her research into Egyptian culture, history and mythology was extremely thorough and very well done!
The reason I settled on 4 stars was because the first chapters are a bit like “jumping into the deep end of the pool”. There’s A LOT of backstory and characters introduced, while also jumping fairly quickly into the current action. I almost wonder if a prologue of some kind maybe could have helped set the stage a bit better so that the opening chapters weren’t such an influx of information? It was a little hard to really perceive what the issue was between the sisters until further into the story because the backstory was explained in little bits & pieces while at the same time jumping into the current action.
There is a lot of action and it does keep up the pace fairly well through out. There’s a lot of twists & turns that kept me guessing and some plot twists that I didn’t suspect. I did feel like the author tied up all of the many threads quite well!
It’s definitely suspense filled & fairly intense in some parts but I felt like it ended really well on a nice hopeful note!
*Thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are strictly my own and in no way influenced.*
Overall I enjoyed this read. This was a bit more suspense than I usually gravitate towards but that’s not reflected in my rating. The author is extremely talented and her research into Egyptian culture, history and mythology was extremely thorough and very well done!
The reason I settled on 4 stars was because the first chapters are a bit like “jumping into the deep end of the pool”. There’s A LOT of backstory and characters introduced, while also jumping fairly quickly into the current action. I almost wonder if a prologue of some kind maybe could have helped set the stage a bit better so that the opening chapters weren’t such an influx of information? It was a little hard to really perceive what the issue was between the sisters until further into the story because the backstory was explained in little bits & pieces while at the same time jumping into the current action.
There is a lot of action and it does keep up the pace fairly well through out. There’s a lot of twists & turns that kept me guessing and some plot twists that I didn’t suspect. I did feel like the author tied up all of the many threads quite well!
It’s definitely suspense filled & fairly intense in some parts but I felt like it ended really well on a nice hopeful note!
*Thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are strictly my own and in no way influenced.*
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